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PC Antony Spence Commended for Disarming Knife-Wielding Robbery Suspect in Oldham

GMP says the 26-year-old remains held in hospital under Section 3 of the Mental Health Act.

Overview

  • Police say the man entered a Hollins shop on October 29 last year armed with a large kitchen knife and demanded cigarettes.
  • When confronted, he advanced toward PC Antony Spence and allegedly said, "Do you want to die?"
  • A taser was ineffective due to thick clothing and the prongs were allegedly torn out, and PAVA spray also failed, forcing the officer to take cover behind a parked car.
  • After a foot chase in which the suspect shouted through a resident's door, Spence used his baton to disarm and detain him.
  • The suspect was arrested on suspicion of robbery, threats to kill and possession of a bladed article, and Spence received a bravery commendation at the Chief Constable's Annual Awards.